1. Build a Pneumatic Catapult

2. Build a Pneumatic Catapult
Performance Objective: Given VEX parts build a pneumatic catapult that can throw a ping pong ball at least 12 inches horizontally
Enabling Objectives:
identify the parts of used in a pneumatic system
match the parts used in a pneumatic system with its purpose
explain various uses for a pneumatic system

3. Pneumatic Systems A pneumatic system consists of several parts
A VEX pneumatic system requires:
Solenoid valve
Reservoir
Pressure Regulator
Single Acting Spring Return Cylinder
Tubing
Plug for Reservoir

4. Solenoid valve Cable w/valve Connects one VEX I/O Port to one Solenoid
The valve can be controlled using a single digital output
Refer back to Lesson 1.4 Operate the Tumbler, to see how to program a single digital output

5. Reservoir
Reservoir
Contains the air used to power the cylinder

6. Pressure Regulator Mini Regulator
Regulates the amount of air pressure that moves the cylinder

7. Single Acting Spring Return Cylinder
This cylinder is the moving part in this system
Air pushes the arm out of the cylinder
A spring inside the cylinder pushes the arm back in when there is no air pushing

8. Tubing
Tubing allows the air to travel from the reservoir to the cylinder and other parts of the pneumatic system

9. Plug
A plug is used to plug unused ports in the system

10. The System All of the parts can go together like the picture
With the system set up this way the pneumatic arms will move out when air is pushed through the cylinder

11. Uses for Pneumatics Air brakes on buses and trucks Pipe organs:
Pneumatic actuator
Pneumatic air guns
Pneumatic Launchers, a type of spud gun
Pneumatic tools:
Jackhammer used by road workers
Pneumatic nail gun

12. Pneumatics in Robotics
Catapult
Lifting mechanism
Arm mechanism
Gripper mechanism
Can you think of anywhere else where you might use a pneumatic system

13. Build a Catapult
Using the guidelines set forth in Design Brief 4.3, Build a Pneumatic Catapult
Build a catapult that can shoot a ping pong ball at least 12 inches